In the Works

Adventures in Nepaw (neh-'pah)

... is an upper middle-grade novel, an epic adventure, about a treacherous climbing battle to the top of the highest mountain in an animal-fantasy world.

In a time when climbers wore tweed and peaks rose as yet unconquered, Trekker Raccoon travels to a far-off country to hire the renowned climbing guide, Master Jam Ling Sherpmouse and his expert crew of Sherpmice. Together they launch a summit attempt on the grandest, highest peak in the Grimmalayas, The Great Peak of Nepaw.

Alas, a rich and ruthless aristocrat rat also has designs on the Sherpmice's holy mountain. Sir Ratamis von Röevenpick arrives with his loyal Grrkha soldiers. They enlist a rag-tag band of novice porters to deliver the wealthy hack-of-a-climber to the top of the mountain by force of their sheer numbers—casualties be damned. In their midst, we find Topkey Ang Sherpmouse, the young, rebellious nephew of Master Ling. Topkey is likable, athletic, brave—but also rash and impulsive. His coming-of-age story in the rough-and-tumble ranks of the competing expedition is yet another facet of the conflict that plagues this daunting climb.

Mountaineering raccoons, Sherpmouse guides, conniving aristo-rats and a mountain that soars into the death-zone. Think: "Wind in the Willows climbs Mount Everest circa 1938" and perhaps you'll conjure an idea of this most unusual saga.

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Claire's Stairs

...is a picture book in the tradition of Madeline.